By Uche Onyeali
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has approved the appointment of Dr Bolaji Akinola as his Adviser on Media and Communications.
Akinola, a maritime and corporate communications expert, brings over 25 years of extensive experience and deep industry knowledge to his new role.
Throughout his distinguished career, Akinola has built a strong reputation for his insightful analysis of the maritime sector and his expertise in strategic communications.
The chief executive officer of leading maritime media and public relations organisation, Ships & Ports Communication Company is widely recognised for his contributions to the discourse on port reforms, maritime security, shipping development and the broader Blue Economy in Nigeria.
The new media aide holds a doctorate degree in Media and Communications from the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. He also has two Masters degrees – MBA (Lagos Business School) and Master of Transport Management (Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho).
He is a member of many professional bodies including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations NIPR, Chartered Institute of Arbitration, UK and the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria MAAN.
He served as the executive secretary of Nigeria Maritime Conference and Exhibition, NIMAREX, from 2011 to 2014, and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping FNIS, and the Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria, FCISN, among others.
In his new position, Akinola will be responsible for shaping and managing media relations, guiding communication strategies and ensuring effective dissemination of information regarding the ministry’s policies, programmes and initiatives aimed at harnessing the potentials of Nigeria’s vast marine resources.
His wealth of experience is expected to significantly enhance the ministry’s engagement with stakeholders, the media and the general public.
Speaking on his appointment, Akinola noted that Marine and Blue Economy is a vital frontier for Nigeria’s economic diversification and growth.
He pledged his commitment to deploy his expertise to effectively communicate the minister’s vision and the ministry’s strategic initiatives to all stakeholders and the Nigerian people.
